[Jay H 237]

We've used extruded aluminum profile for some of our past robot frames with excellent results. Extruded aluminum profile is very durable and ridgid due to all of it's surface area and will avoid deformation compared to just regular extruded aluminum. As said above it is very modular due to the fact it has slots running it's entire length to attach fastners to. It comes in different dimensions and wall thicknesses. It also works well for prototyping since you can keep readjusting it and anything attached to it. To attach it together you can use gussetts or drill and tap the ends. For added durability you can use removable Loctite on the fastners(gussetts). If you don't have Loctite some teflon tape on the fastner threads will also give you the same result. It is possible to TIG weld it together but be 100% sure you won't have to add more hardware into the slots afterward. From a weight to strength ratio it's one of the best materials you can use although the cost is higher which can be a downside. As with any material the strength will be compromised if you "swiss cheese" it. Our robots used 80/20 but you can use MK, Bosch, Robounits, ect.